The Alfred Community Coalition (ACC), comprised of members from Alfred University (AU), Alfred State College (ASC), and the Village and Town of Alfred, will present its first-ever Community Improvement Awards on Tuesday, April 7, at 5 p.m. in the Alfred Village Hall auditorium. The event is open to the public.

Desserts will be provided by the Alfred State College Culinary Arts Department, Wellsville Campus.

Recipients of these awards are those organizations, businesses or individuals who have made a positive difference to the residents and students of Alfred, and in doing so have enhanced life throughout the community.

This year’s honorees for the Community Improvement Award are the students and faculty of the Community Outreach Through the Arts, who reconstructed the bus shelter and plaza at South Main and West University streets. The award for Risk Management Practices will go to Larry McGraw of Gentleman Jim’s, and landlords Mary Harris and John Ninos Jr.

The Community Spirit Award goes to John Ninos Jr. of the Terra Cotta Coffee House.

Community Service Recognition will be given to the First Responders: members of the ASC Response Team, AU Rescue Squad, Alfred Ambulance Crew, and the Alfred Village and Town fire departments.

The ACC is committed to addressing issues that arise regarding students living in the Alfred community. It works to reduce high-risk behaviors, promotes responsible decision-making by students, and informs them of their rights and responsibilities as neighbors and citizens.